We care about our employees, contractors, and customers and our efforts will ensure that we are prepared to manage potential impacts from the spread of COVID-19 as we monitor the developments closely. We're here to help our customers through financial hardship. We're suspending disconnects for customers unable to pay their bills and waiving new late payments charges through at least May 1st. We'll be working with customers on a case-by-case basis to establish payment arrangements and identify energy assistance options to address their specific needs. Learn more here.
Our Energy Force Ambassador Program was the country's first energy-efficiency education program taught by people with disabilities. Read below to learn more about our Energy Force team.
Oak Leyden Developmental Services
Donnell takes pride in his independence, which helps keep him focused on being a reliable ambassador. Donnell prides himself on being helpful to others and in his free time, enjoys singing in the choir, going out in his community, and building skills to do hard work.
Orchard Village
Alex graduated from Orchard Village's Orchard Academy in 2013. He was first employed at Great Lakes Naval Base, where he quickly distinguished himself as a leader. He completed courses to become a crew leader, and worked in that capacity for over a year. Alex recently left the Naval Base and is currently employed at Buffalo Wild Wings, where he performs maintenance work. In his free time, he is an athlete with Special Olympics and plays on the basketball, softball, and track teams. He has won a number of medals for his athleticism. Alex is also exceptionally friendly and outgoing. He is always willing to help out and lend a hand to those in need. When asked about his future, he dreams of living independently and being able to support himself financially.
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Streator Unlimited
Theresa Benckendorf is 26 years old and lives in Streator with her mom, dad, and her dog, Gracie. She is an outgoing young lady with down syndrome. Her social personality helps her be comfortable in front of crowds. Theresa is a graduate from Streator High School and she attends Streator Unlimited’ s sheltered work program Monday through Friday, where they serve 42 adults with disabilities by teaching skills to live as independently as possible and become integrated in the community. Outside of work, Theresa enjoys Special Olympics, Choose to Shine Fashion Show, and Penguin Project’s theater program where she was Annie’s Miss Hannigan in Streator’s spring play. Theresa is very honored to represent Streator Unlimited as a ComEd Ambassador.
Austin Community Family Center
Richard Boykin is a seasoned, life-long resident of the Westside community. He is an outgoing, gregarious and knowledgeable person. Richard is an alumnus of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, as well as Tri-State Bible College in South Point, Ohio. Richard has extensive knowledge of venues on the west-side of Chicago and his experience is welcomed by everyone he encounters. He is married and has three children.
The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind
Robert's entrepreneurial spirit makes him an excellent ambassador for the ComEd Energy Force Program and he also represents the Chicago Lighthouse's mission of helping people who are blind, visually impaired, have other disabilities and Veterans. His approachable demeanor and friendly personality allow for him to engage and connect with anyone looking to learn more about how they can focus on conserving the environment through energy efficiency.
Clearbrook
Jonathan is a bright young man who aspires to be a professional basketball player someday. Jonathan graduated from Park High School in Evanston. In his free time, he plays basketball, bowls, reads, draws and volunteers at his church. He currently attends the CHOICE – Park Ridge day program with Clearbrook.
Misericordia
Jessica has an endless array of skills that have made her a role model for her peers through the years. She was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from Saint Gregory High School. Post-graduation, Jessica focused on exploring her talents through a position as an usher at Wrigley Field. In 2007, Jessica joined the Misericordia family by moving into the Shannon Apartment Home. Her many talents were quickly recognized when she began working in various areas on campus. The Ceramics Room paints and creates projects that are sold throughout the city, and the Recycling Center takes electronics apart before recycling to ensure everything is handled properly. Lastly, Jessica has worked as a valued member of the White Sox Fan Force by greeting fans as they enter the park, and answering any questions they may have. Jessica appreciates and utilizes the various programs offered to her at Misericordia. Jessica’s skills and talents are endless!
Jessica is very active in programs both at Misericordia and within the Chicago community. She enjoys utilizing her reading skills by reading at Mass once a month and is involved in several Special Olympics Sports. She competes in Basketball, Volleyball and Track and Field throughout the Chicagoland area. She also participates in the Special Olympics annual art calendar each year. Throughout the past few years, Jessica has also been actively involved in the Best Buddies Program. The Best Buddies Program has enriched Jessica’s life by offering her the opportunity to become an Ambassador, which helped her dedicate time to honing in on her ability to speak in front of others about the Best Buddies program. Jessica has been an ambassador with the ComEd Energy Force since the beginning and is thrilled to continue to be part of the team. She enjoys using the skills she currently possesses, as well as acquiring additional skills and experience, to make the program as successful as possible. She loves the opportunity to meet new people and share tips on how to save energy!
Helping Hand Center
Sarah is an energetic, outgoing person that enjoys giving back to her community in various ways, including fundraising for different causes. Sarah believes in personal growth and is consistently challenging herself to master new tasks.
Project Onward
David Hence is a constant student of art. He captures daily life of the world around him in an effortless painterly style, using color and bold brushstrokes to create movement for each piece. David doesn’t let his disability stop him from training and making a living as an artist. He uses local coffee shops and the streets of Chicago as his classroom. David was inspired to start drawing and painting by his mom and brother at a young age and was encouraged by teachers to hone his skills. David sometimes collects his sketches into multi-paned stories and books, featuring characters who find themselves in difficult situations. He observes and records how they react, learn and reflect on their challenges.
Regional Access Mobilization Project
Amber was born in Rockford and moved to Stillman Valley in the 7th grade. She has two younger brothers and a cat named Oreo. She is currently engaged to her fiancé, whom she met while singing karaoke. She was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2 at 4 years old, but to this day is very independent and thrilled to be working with ComEd as an ambassador.
Park Lawn Services
Andy is a Park Lawn participant. Andy is known for his pleasant disposition, outgoing personality, love of Chicago's sports teams, and his ability to create tasty treats in the kitchen. He enjoys spending his free time with family and friends; shooting pool, singing Karaoke, attending concerts, and playing bags. If you call Park Lawn's Vocational Services, you may have the pleasure of being greeted by Andy, who works as an office assistant at the reception desk.
Kreider Services
Steven is an outgoing young man who enjoys interacting with others and learning new things. He gets along well with others, always has a smile on his face! His hobbies include playing board and video games, watching movies and playing basketball.
Special Olympics Illinois
Lisa Noble is a seven-sport athlete with Special Olympics Illinois. She lives in Evanston with her husband Kurt, who is also a Special Olympics athlete. They train together through Evanston Special Recreation, and enjoy a wide range of activities, including all that Chicago has to offer like ball games, concerts and festivals. She also served as an ambassador for the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics in Chicago in the summer of 2018 and provided voiceover talent for a nationwide commercial produced by one of Special Olympics' largest sponsors. Lisa has overcome tremendous physical challenges, many surgeries, and autism spectrum disorder to achieve great things in life and with Special Olympics. She now brings that same determination and enthusiasm to her role as a ComEd Energy Force Ambassador.
Shore Community Services
Kevin is a graduate of Maine East High School and also attended a non-degree Liberal Arts program at Oakton Community college for 4 years. Kevin's work history includes Warehouse Fulfillment at Opportunity Medical, where he also served as a member of the Safety Committee, Front Desk Reception at Oakton Community College, and Packaging and Assembly work at Shore Koenig Training Center. Kevin practices energy saving solutions at home such as using energy efficient light bulbs, keeping lights on a timer, timing the thermostat, and recycling.
Search Inc.
Brian is a lifelong resident of Tinley Park who graduated with honors with a BA in geography in 2014. Through his academic course work, volunteer experience and participation in environmental clubs, Brian has knowledge of environmental issues and is highly interested in conservation. Also, Brian enjoys attending sports game and follows Chicago professional sports teams with a strong passion. Brian enjoys traveling with his family and spending time with his two dogs.
El Valor
Cristian is a graduate of Gage Park High School and has been with El Valor since 2010. One of the first big trips Cristian signed up for was the annual weeklong trip to Camp Confidence in Brainard, Minnesota in August 2011. He went camping with a group of friends and Coach Cruz in which he was able to truly experience wilderness activities.
GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Awareness Center
Kathryn graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School in 2010 with an academic diploma and completed a 2-year certification program at Technical Center of DuPage in Data Entry. While in school Kathryn participated in Special Olympics for several years and holds multiple gold, silver and bronze medals. Since 2010 Kathryn has served as a board member at Gigi’s Playhouse Fox Valley, a center that serves families and children who have Down syndrome. She has served as the board secretary and her current role is that of an outreach ambassador. Kathryn is a role model and inspiration to the families and younger people with Down syndrome. In addition to her volunteer time at Gigi’s Playhouse Kathryn is employed at the Aurora Public Library where she is works as a Page and a Materials Aide. Kathryn has done several public speaking engagements. She is an excellent communicator with a high level of self-confidence.
Special Chronicles
Daniel Smrokowski was born premature and was diagnosed at a young age with learning disabilities and a severe language disorder. He is now an award-winning columnist covering special needs stories. Daniel is the founder of Special Chronicles, a pioneering nonprofit new media network that gives respect and voice to people with special needs. Daniel is also involved as an athlete and global messenger with Special Olympics Illinois. In December 2012, Daniel graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Daniel received first place for "Best Original Column" in the 2016 Illinois Press Association. Daniel was named among 10 other advocates, a national finalist for the American Association of People with Disabilities 2015 Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award. He was the recipient of the 2012 Les H. Brownlee Scholarship from the Chicago Headline Club. Daniel was also the recipient of the 2012 Matthew Freeman Award for Social Justice from Roosevelt University for his continuing efforts via media and reporting to give people with disabilities a voice.
Through his work as a Podcaster, Blogger, award-winning Journalist, Public Speaker, Multimedia specialist, radio show host, and Award-winning Special Olympics athlete, he enjoys spreading the message to respect and give voice to others, like himself, who were diagnosed with the "disability" label.
Easter Seals Chicago
Maurice has beaten the odds. A young man living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has achieved his college degree and a job. For many with autism spectrum disorder, such achievements are beyond reach. Maurice, however, exhibits milder effects of the complex neurological disorder. Despite that advantage, Maurice's future was uncertain for most of his childhood. Before his first birthday, his parents, Jennifer and Willie, noticed a change.
Gateway to Learning
Melissa is a young adult who has been part of the program at Gateway to Learning for almost 1 year. Melissa is very energetic, hard-working, creative and has a good sense of humor. She is looking forward to travelling through the city and meeting new people and seeing new places. Melissa grew up in Chicago and has lived here her whole life. Her family is also very important to her – she has brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago
Danny Temponeras is a participant at UCP Seguin, he graduated from Morton West High School and currently does work at the Mooney's Car Wash operated by UCP Seguin to build his talents. He has been an asset to the organization and loves technology. He is fascinated by the inner working of things especially electronics and cars. He says he loves to work around people. He is forward thinking and has excellent verbal communication skills and takes instructions well. He enjoys the phrase, "Work Smarter not harder" and uses his iPhone Siri frequently for tasks. To his credit, he built his own computer from used parts from other computers. He says his computer has ''no name" because it is a combination of various components from different manufacturers. Because of his curiosity, he likes to use the internet to find how things work and therefore says "YouTube teaches me how to take things apart and put them together".
Special Olympics Chicago
Lucas is a lifelong resident of Chicago. He graduated from Solorio Academy in 2014. He has worked and volunteered for the Chicago Park District for the past 6 summers as a Junior Counselor and enjoys helping young children. Lucas loves sports and is a huge fan of the Chicago teams - especially the Cubs and Bulls. He enjoys watching games and keeping track of scores. Lucas has participated in Special Olympics for the past 2 years and has recently become an Ambassador for Special Olympics. He also loves playing with his dog and talking to and interacting with people everywhere.
Best Buddies Illinois
Dana is a lifelong Chicagoland resident, who grew up in the Oak Park school district and currently resides in a group home near Oak Park. Dana is known for her work ethic and vibrant personality. Dana has been involved in Best Buddies Programs since Middle School and now not only volunteers for the organization, but also commutes to work in the Chicago office twice a week as a Programs Assistant for Best Buddies Illinois. Dana is also a strong self-advocate, and a member of the Best Buddies Ambassador Program. She has spoken at numerous schools in the Chicagoland area as well as at various State Fundraisers for the Illinois office. Dana is an inspiration to others and she is looking forward to growing in another community leadership role with ComEd.
Friedman Place
Octavia is 27 years old and has partial vision, despite being legally blind since birth. She is a bright, cheerful person who is outgoing, talkative and friendly. She is a high school graduate as well as a graduate of the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired and possesses a solid foundation of skills with computers and adaptive devices. She has very good navigation skills and regularly travels to stores and restaurants in her neighborhood. Originally from the south side of Chicago, she has lived at Friedman Place for about six years. She has learned a great deal about working with the public and engages well with event participants in providing energy saving tips.
Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living (NICIL)
Xavier is a lifelong resident of Sterling Illinois, located in northwestern Illinois. Xavier has been faced with many challenges in his life but has overcome many of those challenges because of his strong work ethic. Xavier began volunteering for Goodwill Industries his junior year in high school in October 2012 and was hired on in February 2013 as a Donations Associate where he continues to work part-time. Xavier loves his job and enjoys providing a high level of customer service.
Xavier began attending Sauk Valley Community College in fall 2014. He continues to attend college part-time, working towards an Associate’s degree. Xavier enjoys school and has become very proficient at writing papers. Xavier also volunteers at NICIL once a week answering phones and greeting visitors as they arrive. Xavier is a member of the Ambassadors Club which is funded by the Bi-County Cooperative Foundation. The Ambassadors Club is a group of young adults with disabilities that meet socially to work together as a team to give back to their community. Xavier is also active in Special Olympics and has had the privilege of attending State competition several times. Xavier has a positive attitude and a million-dollar smile! It is this attitude and tremendous work ethic that will help him accomplish all his hopes and dreams. In the future, Xavier plans to live independently with the support of his family and NICIL services.
